Born Joseph McKinnon on February 7, 1903 in Boston, Massachusetts, he entered the Passionist Preparatory Seminary of St. Paul of the Cross Province, but it was decided that it was not the opportune time to enter the Passionists. Instead he went to St. Bonaventure Franciscan Seminary in Allegheny, New York with the intent of preparing himself for a religious vocation. He did well there and upon completion of studies applied for membership in Holy Cross Province. He professed his vows on July 29, 1930. His religious name was Jude. He was ordained on October 8, 1933. His first assignment was professor of theology, first at St. Paul, Kansas and then at Chicago, Illinois. His dream was to work with Black Catholics in the South; however, he did not have the opportunity to complete this dream. Instead he was assigned with Father Peter Hanley to be the assistant hospital chaplain at Hines Veterans’ Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. When Father Hanley resigned in 1940, Father McKinnon took over the position in which he served with distinction.
Birth Date:
February 7, 1903
Profession Date:
July 29, 1930
Ordination Date:
October 8, 1933
Death Date:
April 19, 1948